Roll, roll production apparatus and method for producing roll

ABSTRACT

Rolls easy to be produced are provided. The invention provides a roll which is composed of a main tape cylindrically wound up. The main tape is provided with a first and second holes, respectively, in its winding terminating position and winding initiating position. First and second adhesive tapes are stuck over the holes, respectively. In the bottoms of the first and second holes, adhesive layers of the first and second adhesive tapes are exposed. Therefore, the main tape is stuck on a core at its winding initiating position and on the roll itself at its winding terminating position. Information may be printed on a surface of the first adhesive tape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to rolls, particularly to thetechnology of forming rolls by winding main tapes.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art Reference numeral 150 in FIG.18(a) denotes a conventional ink ribbon roll used for thermal transferprinters.

[0004] This ink ribbon roll 150 includes a cylindrical core 151 and anink ribbon 152 wound around the core 151. Reference numeral 155 denotesa tab of the ink ribbon 152 and is positioned in the winding terminatingposition of the ink ribbon 152.

[0005] The tab 155 is constituted of a resin film and is stuck on theink ribbon roll 150 itself with an adhesive tape 156 a so that the inkribbon 152 does not unwound spontaneously during transportation orhandling.

[0006] FIGS. 18(b) and 18(c) show a state where the adhesive tape 156 awas peeled from the ink ribbon roll 150 by picking up the tab 155, andthe whole ink ribbon 152 has been unwound.

[0007] Reference numerals 153 a and 153 b, respectively, denote a leadertape and a trailer tape, both of which have no ink layers. The leadertape and the trailer tape have a width the same as that of the inkribbon 152.

[0008] One end of the leader tape 153 a is attached to the end of thewinding terminating position of the ink ribbon 152 with the adhesivetape 156 b. To the other end of the leader tape 153 a is stuck theadhesive tape 156 a as described above, to which the tab 155 is affixed.

[0009] On the leader tape 153 a, literal information such as the name ofthe raw materials used and precautions on use and information bydrawings are provided. The alphabets indicated by reference numeral 159in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) show such information schematically.

[0010] One end of the trailer tape 153 b is attached to the end of theink ribbon 152 that will become the winding initiating position with theadhesive tape 156 c, and the other end is stuck on the core 151 withanother adhesive tape 156 d. Therefore, the ink ribbon 152 is attachedto the core 151 through this trailer tape 153 b.

[0011] The above ink ribbon roll 150 is produced by cutting a wide inkfilm and winding each resulting film around the core 151.

[0012] Reference numeral 110 in FIG. 19 denotes an ink ribbon rollproduction apparatus of the prior art, including cutters 171 and 173 anda slit knife unit 174.

[0013] Reference numeral 160 denotes a roll that is constituted of awound main film 162 having a wide ink film. One end of the main film 162is sent from the roll 160, passes below the cutters 171 and 173, and isintroduced to the slit knife unit 174.

[0014] The slit knife unit 174 has a plurality of knives and isconstituted so that the main film 162 is cut along its running directioninto a plurality of films when it passes through the slit knife unit174, thereby producing narrow ink ribbons 152.

[0015] The arrow shown in FIG. 19 indicates the running direction of themain film 162 and the ink ribbon 152. In FIG. 19, one main film 162 isdivided into seven, whereby seven ink ribbons 152 are produced.

[0016] In the side downstream from the slit knife unit 174 are installeda plurality of cores 151. Each ink ribbon 152 are wound on each core 151respectively.

[0017] When a predetermined quantity of the ink ribbon 152 has beenwound around the core 151, the run of the main film 162 and the inkribbon 152 are suspended.

[0018] The cutters 171 and 173 are installed at a predeterminedinterval. When the run of the main film 162 and the ink ribbon 152 aresuspended, the main film 162 is cut along its width direction at twoplaces with the cutters 171 and 173. Subsequently, the removal of theportion of the main film 162 located between the cutters 171 and 173divided the main film 162 into two.

[0019] Reference numeral 165 in FIG. 20 denotes the removed portion ofthe main film 162, and the resulting main films 162 are locateddownstream and upstream from the removed portion 165, i.e., in the rightand left sides in FIG. 20.

[0020] At a position in the vicinity of the side of the main film 162located between the cutters 171 and 173, three rolls 175-177, eachhaving a wound auxiliary film, such as a resin film, are arranged.

[0021] After the division of the main film 162, the auxiliary films185-187 are sent out from the rolls 175-177, respectively, and areinserted into the removed portion 165, as shown in FIG. 21.

[0022] After cutting the auxiliary films 185-187 into the width of themain film 162, the auxiliary films 185-187 and the ink films 162 of bothsides of the removed portion 165 are adhered together with adhesivefilms 166 a-166 d. FIG. 22 shows this situation. The main films 162 oncedivided are connected together through the three auxiliary films 185-187and the four adhesive films 166 a-166 d.

[0023] In such a state, when each core 151 is rotated, a main film 162and the three auxiliary films 185-187 adhered thereon run together andpass through the slit knife unit 174.

[0024] Then, a leader tape 153 a located in the winding terminatingposition of an ink ribbon 152 is first formed from the auxiliary film187 that passes the slit knife unit 174 first among the three auxiliaryfilms 185-187. Subsequently, a tab 155 is formed from the auxiliary film186 that passes next.

[0025] The adhesive film 166 a, which passes the slit knife unit 174second among the four adhesive films 166 a-166 d, has a back surfacepartially exposed. When the adhesive film 166 a passes through the slitknife 174, an adhesive tape 156 a shown in FIG. 18(b) is obtained.

[0026] After the formation of the tab 155, the tab 155 is stuck on theroll 150 itself with the adhesive tape 156 a.

[0027] Subsequently, when the tab 155 is cut along its width direction,a plurality of rolls 150 are obtained.

[0028] The rolls 150 are removed and new cores 151 are installed. Whenthe main film 162 is run and the last auxiliary film 185 passes throughthe slit knife unit 174, trailer tapes 153 b are obtained from theauxiliary film 185. Each of the trailer tapes 153 b is stuck on thewinding initiating position of new ink ribbon 152.

[0029] Of the above-mentioned auxiliary films 185-187, the auxiliaryfilm 187, which becomes a leader tape 153 a, has predetermined items inthe form of characters, figures, etc. printed thereon. The black dotsindicated by reference numeral 179 in FIGS. 19-21 show the printingschematically.

[0030] Moreover, in the above-mentioned ink ribbon roll productionapparatus 110, the leader tape 153 a and trailer tape 153 b can bechanged through exchanging the auxiliary films 185-187 for other kindsof films. Various kinds of ink ribbon rolls 150 can be produced by useof various films, for example, such as a transparent film, a coloredfilm and an aluminum-deposit film, depending upon the type of the inkribbon 152.

[0031] However, the ink ribbon producing apparatus of the prior art isrequired to use auxiliary films 185-187 with necessary items printedthereon. Therefore, in the production of rolls which differ in windingamount or which differ in indicating item required, for example, in thecase where the rolls will be shipped for countries using differentlanguages, it will become necessary to exchange the auxiliary films185-187 even if the same ink ribbon 152 is used. Particularly, since itbecomes necessary to indicate the method of handling, etc. on the leadertape 153 a, it will be necessary to frequently exchange the auxiliaryfilm 187 corresponding to it.

[0032] Moreover, although the adhesive films 166 a-166 d are manuallyinstalled and stuck each other when the auxiliary films 185-187 arestuck on the main films 162, there is a problem with such a process ofbeing complicated and high-cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present invention was created to solve the inconvenience ofthe above-described prior art, and an object thereof is to provide aroll that can be manufactured by a simple process and a roll productionapparatus for manufacturing such a roll.

[0034] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the presentinvention is a roll comprising a main tape cylindrically wound, the rollcomprising a first adhesive tape having an adhesive layer and a printlayer laminated thereon wherein the adhesive layer of the first adhesivetape is stuck on a surface of the main tape located in the vicinity of awinding terminating position thereof.

[0035] The present invention is the roll wherein a width of the firstadhesive tape is equal to a width of said main tape.

[0036] The present invention is the roll wherein a desired item isprinted on the print layer.

[0037] The present invention is the roll wherein a first hole is formedin the vicinity of the winding terminating position of the main tape,said first adhesive tape being stuck over the first hole, and wherein aadhesive layer of the first adhesive tape is stuck, through the firsthole, on the surface of the main tape located under the main tape atsaid winding terminating position.

[0038] According to the present invention, the roll further comprising acore, the main tape being wound up around the core, wherein a secondhole is formed in a winding initiating position of the main tape, asecond adhesive tape having an adhesive layer is stuck on a surface of aportion of the main tape where the second hole is located, and theadhesive layer of the second adhesive tape exposed in the second hole isstuck on the core.

[0039] According to the present invention, a roll comprising a core anda main tape wound up around the core, wherein a second hole is formed ina winding initiating position of the main tape, a second adhesive tapehaving an adhesive layer is stuck on a surface of the main tape wherethe second hole is located, and the adhesive layer of the secondadhesive tape exposed in the second hole is stuck on the core.

[0040] According to the present invention, a roll production apparatusfor producing a roll by cutting a wide main film along its runningdirection while running the main film to produce a plurality of narrowmain tapes, and by winding each main tape around a core, the apparatuscomprising a perforator for opening a hole in the main film and anadhesive film sending-out unit for sending an adhesive film having anadhesive layer to a surface of said main film located in the vicinity ofa position where the hole has been opened, and the apparatus beingconstituted so as to stick the adhesive film on said main film over saidhole, followed by cutting said adhesive film together with said mainfilm along its running direction.

[0041] The present invention is the roll production apparatus whereinthe adhesive film sending-out unit is a printer constituted so as toprint desired information on the surface of the adhesive film.

[0042] The present invention is the roll production apparatus accordingwherein said printer is constituted so as to print said information onthe adhesive film, followed by sending the adhesive film in a directionthe same as the running direction of the main film.

[0043] The present invention is the roll production apparatus accordingwherein the apparatus is constituted so that the adhesive film isprinted with the information, followed by being stuck on the main filmrunning.

[0044] The present invention is the roll production apparatus whereinsaid printer is disposed so as to print the information on the adhesivefilm, followed by sending the adhesive film in the directionapproximately right angle to the running direction of the main film.

[0045] According to the present invention, a process for producing aroll comprising cutting a wide main film along its running directionwhile running it in the direction perpendicular to its width, therebyproducing a plurality of narrow main tapes, followed by winding each cutmain tape to produce a roll, the process comprising the steps of sendingan adhesive film from a roll comprising the adhesive film wound,printing a desired item on a surface of the adhesive film, arrangingsaid adhesive film on a surface of a portion of the main film where theportion becomes a winding terminating position of the main tape,sticking the adhesive film on a surface of the main film, moving theadhesive film and the main film together along their running direction,and cutting the adhesive film together with said main film.

[0046] The present invention is the process for producing a roll whereina hole is formed in the main film and the adhesive film is thereafterstuck over the hole.

[0047] The present invention is the process for producing a roll whereinthe adhesive film is sent in the direction along the running directionof the main film and is stuck on a surface of the main film.

[0048] The present invention is a process for producing a roll whereinsaid adhesive film is sent in the direction right angle to the runningdirection of said main film and is stuck on a surface of said main film.

[0049] According to the present invention, a process for producing aroll comprising cutting a wide main film along its running directionwhile running it in the direction perpendicular to its width, therebyproducing a plurality of narrow main tapes, followed by winding each cutmain tape to produce a roll, the process comprising the steps of sendingan adhesive film from a roll comprising the adhesive film wound,printing a desired item on a surface of the adhesive film, arranging theadhesive film on a surface of a portion of the main film where theportion becomes a winding initiating position of the main tape, stickingthe adhesive film on a surface of a core.

[0050] The roll according to the present invention is constituted asmentioned above and a first adhesive tape is stuck on the windingterminating position of a main tape. The surface of the first adhesivetape is printable. For example, a print layer may be disposed on thesurface of the first adhesive tape. Accordingly, characters, figures orthe like can be printed on the opposite surface of the first adhesivetape to the adhesive layer with a printer.

[0051] One may prepare a first adhesive tape with no necessaryindication printed thereon and then print such indication required onthe surface of the first adhesive tape just when manufacturing a rollaccording to the present invention. Therefore, there is no necessity ofpreparing any trailer tape printed with predetermined items in advance.

[0052] In particular, when preparing a unfigured adhesive film andprinting on a surface thereof, followed by sticking it to a main filmand then slitting the main film and the adhesive tape together, theadhesive tape becomes to have the same width as that of the main tape.

[0053] It is also possible to print some necessary items on a adhesivefilm after the adhesive film stick on a main film, and followed byslitting it.

[0054] In this case, when slitting the main film to form main tapes andthen winding the resultant into the form of rolls, it is desirable thata portion in the winding terminating position of each main tape is stuckon each roll itself so that the main tape does not unwind spontaneouslybefore use.

[0055] In the present invention, a first hole penetrating a main tape isformed in advance in the main tape in its portion at the windingterminating position. The adhesive layer of the first adhesive tape isstuck on the surface of the main tape over the first hole, the surfaceconstituting the outside of the roll.

[0056] Therefore, the adhesive layer of the first adhesive tape isexposed inside the first hole. When the main tape is wound up with theprint layer of the first adhesive tape outside, the winding terminatingportion of the main tape will be affixed, with the adhesive layer of thefirst adhesive tape exposed in the bottom of the first hole, to the maintape itself located in the inner circumference of the roll. Therefore,the roll according to the present invention is constituted so that thewinding terminating portion of the main tape does not unwindspontaneously from the roll.

[0057] Moreover, the first adhesive tape used for the roll according tothe present invention has a print layer in its surface and can beprinted with characters or figure with printers such as inkjet printersand thermal transfer printers.

[0058] A portion that is first sent out from the roll is in the windingterminating position of the main tape. Therefore, it is convenient ifthe method of using or handling the roll, etc. is indicated on thesurface of the first adhesive tape that is to be stuck on that portion.The first hole may be formed in advance in the main film.

[0059] Moreover, the main tape used in the present invention is providedwith a second hole in its winding initiating position. The second holealso penetrates the main tape. The surface of the main tape located inthe inner circumference of the roll is located in the second hole.

[0060] On a surface of the main tape in the region where the second holeis located, the second adhesive tape having at least an adhesive layeris stuck. Since the surface of the adhesive layer is exposed in thebottom of the second hole, when the winding initiating portion is pushedagainst the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical core with thesecond adhesive tape outside, the second adhesive tape is stuck on thecore in the bottom of the second hole, whereby the main tape is stuck onthe core.

[0061] If a print layer is provided also in the surface of the secondadhesive tape, desired information can be printed thereon with aprinter.

[0062] In this case, adhesive films that will become the raw films ofthe first and second adhesive tapes are, in advance, prepared afterbeing wound into the form of rolls. The adhesive films are drawn fromthe rolls, printed with necessary items, cut to length required, andthen stuck on the surface of the main film. When the main film is slit,the adhesive tapes are also slit together, yielding first and secondadhesive tapes stuck on the main tapes.

[0063] In this case, the printing to the first or second adhesive filmand the sticking of the first or second adhesive film on these mainfilms will be performed by turns.

[0064] Moreover, the roll production apparatus according to the presentinvention has a perforator for opening holes in the main film aftersending out the main film from that wound in the form of a roll. Whenthe adhesive film is stuck on the region of the main film where holeshave been formed with the adhesive layer of the adhesive film directedtoward the main film and the substrate layer thereof directed toward thetop surface side, the adhesive layer is exposed in the bottom inside theholes.

[0065] Moreover, the roll production apparatus according to the presentinvention has an adhesive film sending-out unit for sending out anadhesive film above the main film. If a printer is used as the adhesivefilm sending-out unit, desired information can be printed on thesubstrate layer of the adhesive film before sticking the adhesive filmto the main film.

[0066] The perforator in the roll production apparatus according to thepresent invention can make holes in a main film in both portions thereofwhich will become the winding initiating position and the windingterminating position of a main tape, respectively, when the main film iscut along its longitudinal direction and is wound up to the form of aroll. The adhesive film may be stuck on the region where the hole hasbeen arranged.

[0067] The nature, principle, and utility of the invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts aredesignated by like reference numerals or characters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] In the accompanying drawings:

[0069]FIG. 1 shows an example of the roll according to the presentinvention;

[0070]FIG. 2(a) is a diagram illustrating the state where a portion in awinding terminating position has been sent out from the roll shown inFIG. 1;

[0071]FIG. 2(b) is a sectional view in the winding terminating position;

[0072] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are, respectively, a plan view and a sideview for illustrating the state where the whole of the tape has beensent out from the roll according to the present invention;

[0073]FIG. 3(c) is a sectional view in the winding initiating position;

[0074]FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating a roll production apparatusand production process according to the present invention;

[0075]FIG. 5 is a diagram for illustrating the production step followingthat shown in FIG. 4;

[0076]FIG. 6 is a diagram for illustrating the production step followingthat shown in FIG. 5;

[0077]FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating the production step followingthat shown in FIG. 6;

[0078]FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating the production step followingthat shown in FIG. 7;

[0079]FIG. 9 is a diagram for illustrating another roll productionapparatus and production process according to the present invention;

[0080]FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating the production stepfollowing that shown in FIG. 9;

[0081]FIG. 11 is a diagram for illustrating the production stepfollowing that shown in FIG. 10;

[0082]FIG. 12 is a diagram for illustrating the production stepfollowing that shown in FIG. 11;

[0083]FIG. 13(a) shows an example of printers that can be used for thepresent invention; FIG. 13(b) and 13(C) respectively shows a side viewand a plan view for illustrating an adhesive film using the printer;

[0084]FIG. 14(a) shows an example of a perforator used for the presentinvention in the state that before the perforator forms hole; FIG. 14(b)shows the perforator in the state during forming hole.

[0085] FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) illustrate other examples of a perforatorused for the present invention;

[0086] FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) illustrate other examples of the rollaccording to the present invention;

[0087] FIGS. 17(a) through 17(c) illustrate other examples of the rollaccording to the present invention;

[0088] FIGS. 18(a), 18(b) and 18(c) are, respectively, a diagram showinga prior art roll, a plan view illustrating the state where a tape hasbeen sent out from the roll, and a side view illustrating that state;

[0089]FIG. 19 is a diagram for illustrating a roll production apparatusand production process of the prior art;

[0090]FIG. 20 is a diagram for illustrating the production stepfollowing that shown in FIG. 19;

[0091]FIG. 21 is a diagram for illustrating the production stepfollowing that shown in FIG. 20; and

[0092]FIG. 22 is a diagram for illustrating the production stepfollowing that shown in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0093] Reference numeral 50 in FIG. 1 denotes an ink ribbon roll, whichis an example of the roll according to the present invention.

[0094] This ink ribbon roll 50 has a core 51, around the side surface ofwhich has been wound an ink ribbon 52 for heat transfer printers. Theink ribbon 52 is an example of the main tape used for the presentinvention and is formed to be narrow in width.

[0095] In the winding terminating position of the ink ribbon 52, aplurality of first holes 53 a are formed. The first holes 53 a penetratethe ink ribbon 52 and are aligned along the width direction of the inkribbon 52. Although only a single line of the holes is shown in thisdiagram, the holes may be arranged in plural lines.

[0096] On the region of the ink ribbon 52 in the winding terminatingposition where the first holes 53 a are located, a first adhesive tape56 a is stuck.

[0097]FIG. 2(a) shows the state where only a small amount of ink ribbon52 has been sent out from the ink ribbon roll 50. FIG. 2(b) is asectional view taken along the A-A′ line of FIG. 2(a).

[0098] The ink ribbon 52 has a substrate layer 65 composed of a resinfilm such as polyester, and an ink layer 64, formed on the surface ofthe substrate layer 65, including ink for thermal transfer printing.

[0099] The first adhesive tape 56 a has a print layer 68 and an adhesivelayer 67 which is formed on the surface of the print layer 68 andexhibits adhesiveness at normal temperature. The print layer 68 isconstituted by laminating a resin film, such as a polyester film, and alayer for improving ink fixing properties, for example, a surfacetreatment layer. The adhesive layer 67 is formed on the surface of theresin film in the print layer 68 and the surface treatment layer of theprint layer 68 is exposed, whereby the first adhesive tape 56 a hasimproved printability.

[0100] The adhesive layer 67 of the first adhesive tape 56 a is stuck tothe surface of the substrate layer 65 of the ink ribbon 52. Since thefirst holes 53 a are arranged in the portion of the ink ribbon 52 onwhich the first adhesive tape 56 a is stuck, the adhesive layer 67 isexposed in the bottoms of the first holes 53 a.

[0101] In the state where the ink ribbon 52 is wound up around the core51, the adhesive layer 67 exposed in the bottoms of the first holes 53 ais closely attached to the surface of the substrate layer 65 of the inkribbon 52 located inside the winding terminating position, and thewinding terminating portion of the ink ribbon 52 is affixed to the inkribbon 52 itself. Accordingly, in this ink ribbon roll 50, a portion inthe winding terminating position of the ink ribbon 52 does not unwindspontaneously from the ink ribbon roll 50.

[0102] Furthermore, information 59, such as the method of usage andprecautions, is indicated in the print layer 68 of the first adhesivetape 56 a by using a printer described later.

[0103]FIG. 3(a) is a plan view illustrating the state where the wholeink ribbon 52 has been unwound from the ink ribbon roll 50, and FIG.3(b) is the side view showing the same state. FIG. 3(c) is a sectionalview taken along the B-B′ line in FIG. 3(a).

[0104] In the winding initiating position of the ink ribbon 52 areformed a plurality of second holes 53 b. The second holes 53 b penetratethe ink ribbon 52 and are aligned along the width direction of the inkribbon 52. Although only a single line of the holes is shown in thisdiagram, the holes may be arranged in plural lines.

[0105] A second adhesive tape 56 b having a structure the same as thefirst adhesive tape 56 a is stuck on the surface of the ink ribbon 52 inthe winding initiating position. The adhesive layer 67 of the secondadhesive tape 56 b is exposed in the bottoms of the second holes 53 b.

[0106] The adhesive layer 67 exposed in the second holes 53 b is adheredto the surface of the core 51, whereby the winding initiating portion ofthe ink ribbon 52 is stuck on the core 51.

[0107] Reference numeral 10 in FIGS. 4 through 7 indicates an example ofthe ink ribbon roll production apparatus for manufacturing the inkribbon rolls 50 mentioned above.

[0108] With reference to FIG. 4, this ink ribbon roll productionapparatus 10 has a printer 11, a perforator 13 and a slit knife unit 17.The printer 11 is an example of adhesive film sending-out unit that canbe used in the present invention.

[0109] Reference numeral 62 in FIG. 4 denotes an ink film, which is anexample of the main film of the present invention. This ink film 62 iswide in width and has a sectional structure the same as the ink ribbon52 including a substrate layer 65 and an ink layer 64 laminated thereon.

[0110] Reference numeral 60 in FIG. 4 shows an ink film roll constitutedof the ink film 62 wound up.

[0111] The ink film 62 sent out from the ink film roll 60 passes belowthe perforator 13 and through between a pair of press rolls 15 and 16,thereby being introduced below the slit knife unit 17.

[0112] The arrow represented by reference numeral 21 in FIG. 4 indicatesthe running direction of the ink film 62 at the time when the ink film62 is sent out from the ink film roll 60. The slit knife unit 17 has aplurality of knives 27 on its bottom. When the ink film 62 passes belowthe slit knife unit 17, it is cut in parallel to its running directionwith each knife 27. In the result, a plurality of ink ribbons 52 areproduced. In FIG. 4, the slit knife unit 17 has five knives 27 and sixink ribbons 52 are obtained from a single ink film 62.

[0113] Reference numeral 22 in FIG. 4 indicates the running direction ofeach ink ribbon 52. The plural ink ribbons 52, which have been formed inand sent out from the slit knife unit 17, are alternately distributedupwardly and downwardly.

[0114] Cores 51 corresponding to the number of the ink ribbons 52 aredisposed at the terminals of the ink ribbons 52 in their runningdirection. Each ink ribbon 52 is wound around each core 51, whereby anink ribbon roll is formed. Reference numeral 55 denotes an ink ribbonroll under winding.

[0115] The printer 11 and the perforator 13 are disposed above the inkfilm 62 in the upstream side from the slit knife unit 17.

[0116] The internal outline composition of the printer 11 is shown inFIG. 13(a).

[0117] The printer 11 has a housing 74, in which an adhesive film roll72 including an adhesive film 66 wound up in the form of a roll isdisposed.

[0118] The adhesive film roll 72 is constituted of a long and thinpeeling paper 58 and a plurality of adhesive films 66 stuck thereon atequal intervals. FIG. 13(b) is a sectional view showing the state wherethe peeling paper 58 and the adhesive films 66 are sent out from theadhesive film roll 72,and FIG. 13(c) is the corresponding plan view.Each adhesive film 66 is a rectangle and they are arranged in a rawalong the longitudinal direction of the peeling paper 58 atpredetermined intervals.

[0119] The adhesive film 66 which has a structure the same as the firstand second adhesive tapes 56 a and 56 b as shown in FIG. 2(a) and 2(b),is composed of an adhesive layer 67 and a print layer 68. To the peelingpaper 58 is tightly attached the adhesive layer 67 of the adhesive film66, and the surface of the print layer 68 is exposed.

[0120] A printing head 71 is disposed inside the housing 74 so that theprint layer 68 of the adhesive film 66 faces the printing head 71 whenthe adhesive film 66 is sent out together with the peeling paper 58 fromthe adhesive tape roll 72.

[0121] When the peeling paper 58 runs, the adhesive film 66 runs belowthe printing head 71 while its print layer 68 faces the printing head71. Therefore, when the printing head 71 is caused to approach the printlayer 68 of the adhesive film 66 in that state and is caused to emit inktherefrom, characters, figures, etc. are printed with the ink on theprint layer 68.

[0122] After predetermined indication items are printed, the adhesivefilm 66 is sent together with the peeling paper 58 approximatelyhorizontally out of the housing 74. In this state, the adhesive film 66faces upward and the peeling paper 58 faces downward.

[0123] A rotation roll 12 is disposed at a position to which theadhesive film 66 and the peeling paper 58 both sent out from the housing74 run. The peeling paper 58 comes into contact with the rotation roll12, whereby its running direction is slanted downward. At a position towhich the adhesive film 66 and the peeling paper 58 after the change oftheir running direction run, a separation roll 73 is disposed.

[0124] The peeling paper 58 that has reached the separation roll 73 isbent downward at a steep angle and wound around a peeling paper windingroll 75.

[0125] When the peeling paper 58 is bent at a steep angle, the adhesivefilm 66 leaves the peeling paper and runs in the direction differentfrom the peeling paper 58.

[0126] Two press rolls 15 and 16 are installed at a position to whichthe adhesive film 66 runs.

[0127] Each axis of rotation of the press rolls 15 and 16 is directed ina right-angled direction to the running direction of the adhesive film.The adhesive film 66 which has left the peeling paper 58 is sent tobetween the two press rolls 15 and 16. In FIG. 13(a) the adhesive films66 are sent to between the press rolls 15 and 16 while being separatedfrom each other. However, it is also possible to stick low-tack adhesivetapes to the surfaces of the adhesive films 66 before separating theadhesive films 66 from the peeling paper 58, and send the adhesive films66 to between the press rolls 15 and 16 while linking the adhesive films66 together.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 4, an ink film 62 is sent to between the pressroll 15 and 16.

[0129] A cylinder 18 is mounted to the upper press roll 15. When apredetermined length of the ink ribbon 62 is wound around the core 51,the cylinder 18 is activated. When the upper press roll 15 is moveddownward by the activation of cylinder 18, the ink film 62 and theadhesive films 66 are pinched between the press rolls 15 and 16, wherebythe adhesive layer 67 located in the head portion in the runningdirection of the adhesive films 66 is attached firmly to the surface ofthe substrate layer 65 of the ink film 62 and the adhesive film 66 ispartially stuck on the ink film 62.

[0130] Since the direction in which the adhesive films 66 are sent outfrom a printer 11 is the same as the running direction of the ink film62, the adhesive films 66 are stuck on the ink film 62 without stoppingthe ink film 62.

[0131] On the other hand, the plural adhesive films 66 are separatedfrom each other. Therefore, when one adhesive film 66 is stuck on theink film 62, the run of the peeling paper 58 is stopped and a pluralityof adhesive films 66 are not stuck on the ink film 62 continuously.

[0132] When the two press rolls 15 and 16 are rotated in this state, theadhesive film 66 is stuck on the ink film 62 from its head portion withthe rotation.

[0133]FIG. 5 shows the state where the adhesive film 66 has been stuckto a length about a half from the head portion. The arrow indicated byreference numeral 23 shows the running direction of the ink film 62 andthe adhesive film 66 stuck on the ink film 62. Reference numeral 69shows the predetermined information printed with the printer 11.

[0134] Before the establishment of this state, a cylinder 12 isactivated, thereby a perforator 13 is pressed against the ink film 62,forming first holes 53 a in the portion on which the adhesive film 66will be stuck.

[0135] Explaining the structure of the perforator 13, the perforator 13is cylindrical and has a plurality of projections 82 in itscircumference, as shown in FIG. 14(a).

[0136] In the back side of the ink film 62 below the perforator 13, acylindrical reception roll 14 is disposed.

[0137] The axes of rotation of the perforator 13 and the reception roll14 are perpendicularly arranged to the running direction of the ink film62. In the surface of the reception roll 14, recesses 83 are formed inthe positions corresponding to the projections 82 of the perforator 13.

[0138] Therefore, by the operations of moving the perforator 13 downwardwhile rotating the perforator 13 and the reception roll 14, pressing theperforator 13 against the ink film 62 running, and thereafter fittingthe projections 82 into the recesses 83 as shown in FIG. 14(b), the inkfilm 62 is punched with the projections 82, whereby the first holes 53 aare formed.

[0139] When the first holes 53 a are formed, the cylinder 12 isactivated and the perforator 13 is caused to leave the ink film 62. Asdescribed above, since the first holes 53 a are formed while theperforator 13 and the reception roll 14 are rotated, it is not necessaryto stop the run of the ink film 62 during the formation of the firstholes 53 a.

[0140] When the rolls 15 and 16 rotate and the ink film 62 and theadhesive film 66 run together toward the slit knife unit 17 in thatstate, one adhesive film 66 is stuck on the region of the ink film 62where the first holes 53 a are arranged, whereby the adhesive layer 67of the adhesive film 66 is exposed in the bottoms of the first holes 53a as shown in FIG. 6.

[0141] When one adhesive film 66 is sent out from between the pressrolls 15 and 16, the adhesive film 66 will be completely stuck on theink film 62.

[0142] Subsequently, the upper press roll 15 is lifted up, and the nextadhesive film 66 is then inserted between the press rolls 15 and 16through the run of the peeling paper 58. Moreover, when the ink film 62and the adhesive film 66 stuck on the surface thereof pass togetherbelow the slit knife unit 17, the ink film 62 and the adhesive film 66are cut in parallel along their running direction with knives 27. FIG. 7shows a state in the cutting process wherein ink ribbons 52 are obtainedfrom the portion where the ink film 62 has been cut, and first adhesivetapes 56 a are obtained from the portion where the adhesive film 66 hasbeen cut. Each ink ribbon 52 is wound up to form an ink ribbon roll 50and the first adhesive tape 56 a becomes the winding terminating portionof the ink ribbon roll 50.

[0143] Reference numeral 59 in FIG. 7 denotes information provided onthe first adhesive tape 56 a and is obtained by cutting print portion ofthe information 69 on the adhesive film 66.

[0144] When the first adhesive tape 56 a is formed, second holes 53 bare formed in the downstream side of the ink film 62 with the perforator13. At the same time, a next adhesive film 66 that will become thewinding initiating portion of the ink ribbon roll 50 which will beproduced next is sent to between the press rolls 15 and 16.

[0145] The adhesive film 66 is stuck on the ink film 62 sequentiallyfrom its head portion with the press rolls 15 and 16 when a portion ofthe ink film 62 where the second holes 53 b have been formed has reachedthe position just before the rolls 15 and 16.

[0146] When the whole adhesive film 66 has been sent out from the pressrolls 15 and 16, the adhesive film 66 is stuck on the region of the inkfilm 62 where the second holes 53 b are located. Also on the surface ofthis adhesive film 62, predetermined information has been printed withthe printer 11.

[0147] When the ink film 62 runs in that state, the adhesive film 66that is to become a winding initiating portion is also cut with the slitknife unit 17 together with the ink film 62.

[0148]FIG. 8 illustrates the state where the adhesive film 66 which isto become a winding initiating portion is under cutting. The secondadhesive tapes 56 b are obtained from the portion where the adhesivefilm 66 has been cut with the slit knife unit 17.

[0149] When the whole first adhesive tape 56 a is wound up and the inkribbon roll 50 is formed from a predetermined length of the ink ribbon52, the ink ribbon roll 50 is separated through cutting, along the widthdirection, the ink ribbon 52 located between the first adhesive tape 56a and the second adhesive tape 56 b. This ink ribbon roll 50 is shown inFIG. 1.

[0150] In the winding terminating position of the ink ribbon roll 50,the end of the ink ribbon 52 is stuck on the ink ribbon roll 50 itselfwith the first adhesive tape 56 a. The portion in the windingterminating position of the ink ribbon 52, therefore, is not unwoundfrom the ink ribbon roll 50.

[0151] After the removal of the ink ribbon roll 50 obtained, a new core51 is installed. The adhesive layer 67 of the second adhesive tape 56 bexposed in the bottoms of the second holes 53 b is pressed against thecore 51, whereby the head portion of the ink ribbon 52 is stuck on thecore 51 with the second adhesive tape 56 b. Subsequently, when the inkfilm 62 is caused to run with the rotation of the core 51, winding ofthe ink ribbon 52 is started. Following the starting of the winding, theink ribbon 52 is wound in processes the same as that shown in FIGS. 4-8,forming a new ink ribbon roll 50.

[0152] As described above, the ink ribbon roll production apparatus 10according to the present invention sticks adhesive films 66 onto theportions of an ink film 62 where first and second holes 53 a and 53 bhave been formed, forming a winding initiating portion and a windingterminating portion of an ink ribbon 52. In the prior art, differentfilms are adhere together, thereby constituting a winding initiatingportion and a winding terminating portion. However, since the presentinvention does not adhere different films together, it has only a simpleprocess and can achieve high operation efficiency.

[0153] Moreover, particularly, the ink ribbon roll production apparatus10 described above sticks an adhesive film 66 to an ink film 62 whilecausing the adhesive film 66 and the ink film 62 to run in the samedirection. Therefore, it is not necessary to stop the ink film 62 and isable to perform continuous production.

[0154] Next, the second example of the ink ribbon roll productionapparatus according to the present invention will be described.

[0155] With reference to FIG. 9, reference numeral 30 denotes the secondexample of the ink ribbon roll production apparatus of according to thepresent invention.

[0156] This ink ribbon roll production apparatus 30 has a printer 31, aperforator 33, and a slit knife unit 37.

[0157] Reference numeral 60 in FIG. 9 denotes an ink film roll the sameas that used in the above-described ink ribbon roll production apparatus10.

[0158] An ink film 62 sent out from the ink film roll 60 passes belowthe perforator 33, followed by being slanted its running directiondownward with a rotation roll 36, thereby being introduced to a positionnear the slit knife unit 37.

[0159] The slit knife unit 37 has a plurality of knives 47. The ink film62 arrived is cut in parallel along its running direction with theknives 47, yielding a plurality of ink ribbons 52. Here, the slit knifeunit 37 has four knives 47, and the ink film 62 is divided into five inkribbons 52.

[0160] Each ink ribbon 52 is wound around each core 51. Referencenumeral 55 denotes an ink ribbon roll of the ink ribbon 52 underwinding.

[0161] In this ink ribbon roll production apparatus 30, the printer 31is installed in a position by the side of the ink film 62. Referencenumeral 76 denotes an adhesive film narrower than the adhesive film 66of the first example. The sectional structure of this adhesive film 76is the same as that of the adhesive film 66 used in the ink ribbon rollproduction apparatus 10 of the first example. This adhesive film 76 isalso stuck on a peeling paper, which, however, is omitted in thedrawing.

[0162] An adhesive film roll including the wound-up adhesive film 76 isinstalled in the printer 31. In the printer 31, the adhesive film 76 issent out from the adhesive film roll and information is printed on thesurface of a print layer 68 of the adhesive film 76 with a printer head,and then, the adhesive film 76 is sent out of the printer 31 togetherwith the peeling paper.

[0163] The adhesive film 76 subjected to printing in the printer 31 issent out toward a position above the ink film 62 and between theperforator 33 and the rotation roll 36. The black dots shown byreference numeral 79 in FIG. 9 denote the information printed in theprinter 31.

[0164] The perforator 33 is equipped with a cylinder 38. When the inkribbon 52 has been wound around the core 51 by a predetermined length,running of the ink ribbon 62 is suspended and then the perforator 33gets down through the action of the cylinder 78.

[0165] A side view of this perforator 33 is shown in FIG. 15(a). Theperforator 33 has a board-like shape and has a plurality of projections84 in its bottom. In this figure, the projections are arranged in a row.A reception board 34 is disposed below the perforator 33 and the inkfilm 62.

[0166] In the surface of the reception board 34, recesses 85 are formedat the positions corresponding to the projections 84. The perforator 33is moved downward and the lower ends of the projections 84 are pressedagainst the ink film 62. The perforator 33 is then further lowered,whereby the projections 84 are caused to fit into the recesses 85. Thus,the ink film 62 is punched with each projection 84 and first holes 53 aare formed. Subsequently, the upward movement of the perforator 33 makesthe ink film 62 enabling to run.

[0167]FIG. 10 illustrates the state where after the formation of thefirst holes 53 a, the ink film 62 runs and the first holes 53 a havecome out from between the perforator 33 and the reception board 34. Thefirst holes 53 a are arranged in a row along the width direction of theink film 62.

[0168] In this state, an adhesive film 76 is sent out of the printer 31together with the peeling paper, and when the adhesive film 76 hascovered the ink film 62 in the width direction thereof, it is caused tostop.

[0169] A support board 35 is disposed in a position below the ink film62 and between the reception board 34 and the rotation roll 36. Theadhesive film 76 at rest is above the support board 35.

[0170] Moreover, a vacuum stick unit 39 is disposed at a position abovethe support board 35 and further above the adhesive film 76. After theseparation of the peeling paper by fixing of the surface of the adhesivefilm 76 with the vacuum stick unit 39, the vacuum stick unit 39 islowered, thereby pressing the adhesive layer 67 of the adhesive film 76against the surface of the ink film 62 supported on the support board35.

[0171]FIG. 11 shows this state. The adhesive film 76 is stuck on thesurface of the region of the ink film 62 where the first holes 53 a arearranged, whereby the adhesive layer of the adhesive film 76 is exposedin the first holes 53 a. The adhesive film 76 is stuck on the substratelayer 65 of the ink film 62.

[0172] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12, the adhesive film 76 is cut,and separated from the adhesive film roll in the printer 31. At the sametime, the adhesive film 76 stuck on the ink film 62 is made equal to thewidth of the ink film 62.

[0173] Next, when the ink film 62 is caused to run, the adhesive film 76stuck is sent to the slit knife unit 37 and is cut together with the inkfilm 62, resulting in first adhesive tapes 56 a of the structureillustrated in FIGS. 3(a)-(c).

[0174] The winding terminating position of the ink ribbon 52 isexplained in FIGS. 9-12, and the winding initiating portion will bedescribed. In this ink ribbon roll production apparatus 30, after theformation of the first holes 53 a, the ink film 62 is made run by apredetermined length. Then, second holes 53 b are formed with theperforator 33 and the receptacle board 34. By sticking the next adhesivefilm 76 on the region where the second holes 53 b have been formed, thewinding initiating portion of the ink ribbon 52 can be produced.

[0175] Although the aforementioned perforators 13 and 33 engage theirprojections 82 and 84 to the recesses 83 and 85 of the reception roll 14or the reception board 34 and form the first and second holes 53 a and53 b in the ink films 62, the present invention is not restricted tosuch embodiments.

[0176] A perforator 86 illustrated in FIG. 15(b) has a heater 88installed thereinside and is constituted so that when the heater 88 isenergized, plural projections 87 provided in the bottom of theperforator 86 are heated.

[0177] By only pressing the heated projections 87 of the perforator 86against the surface of the ink film 62 composed of a thermally meltableresin, the pressed portion of the ink film 62 melts, forming first andsecond holes 53 a and 53 b.

[0178] Cracks easily appear in the ink film 62 around the first andsecond holes 53 a and 53 b. However, when this perforator 86 presses itsprojections 87 against the ink film 62 while running the film slowly,thereby melting it, the melt becomes a rise around each of the first andsecond holes 53 a and 53 b. Thereby, the ink film 62 is difficult togenerate cracks around the first and second holes 53 a and 53 b. Whenforming the first and second holes 53 a and 53 b while running the inkfilm 62 slowly, the first and second holes 53 a and 53 b to be formedbecome oval even if the projections 87 are cylindrical.

[0179] Although explanation was made above by taking an ink ribbon roll50 including an ink ribbon 52 wound as an example, the roll according tothe present invention is not limited to rolls of ink ribbons. Referencenumeral 93 in FIG. 16(a) denotes a magnetic tape used for videorecording. This figure shows the state where the whole magnetic tape 93has been unwound from a roll 70 including the magnetic tape 93 wound.

[0180] This magnetic tape 93 is constituted of a substrate layer 91including a film of resin such as polyester and a magnetic layer 92formed thereon.

[0181] In the winding terminating portion and the winding initiatingportion of the magnetic tape 93, first and second holes 53 a and 54 bare formed. On the regions of the magnetic layer 92 where the first andsecond holes 53 a and 53 b are formed, a first and second adhesive tapes56 a and 56 b are stuck, and the surfaces of the adhesive layers 67 ofthe first and second adhesive tapes 56 a and 56 b are exposed in thebottoms of the first and the second holes 53 a and 53 b.

[0182] The adhesive layer 67 exposed in the bottoms of the second holes53 b in the winding initiating portion is adhered to the core 51,thereby the winding initiating portion of the magnetic tape 93 is stuckon the core 51 with the second adhesive tape 56 b. On the surface of thefirst adhesive tape 56 a is printed information such as a manufacturelot number.

[0183] The following is an explanation on another example. Referencenumeral 95 in FIG. 16(b) indicates a resin tape used for goods packing,etc. This figure shows the state where the whole resin tape 95 has beenunwound from a roll 80 including the resin tape 95 wound.

[0184] Like the aforementioned ink ribbon 52 and magnetic tape 93, thisresin tape 95 is also provided with first and second holes 53 a and 53 bin its winding terminating portion and winding initiating portion,respectively. The first and second adhesive tapes 56 a and 56 b arestuck on the surfaces of the regions where the first and second holes 53a and 53 b are formed. Predetermined information 59 is printed on thefirst adhesive tape 56 a as shown in FIG. 1.

[0185] The following is an explanation of still another example of thepresent invention. Reference numeral 90 in FIGS. 17(a)-(c) denotes aroll having an aluminum deposit tape 96 disposed in the windinginitiating position of an ink ribbon 52. One end of the aluminum deposittape 96 is stuck to an end of the ink tape 52 with the second adhesivetape 56 b. Moreover, another end of the aluminum deposit tape 96 isstuck on the core 51 with adhesives.

[0186] Also in this roll 90, first holes 53 a are formed in the windingterminating position of the ink tape 52 and the first adhesive tape 56 ais stuck on it. Information 59 of predetermined items is printed on thesurface of the first adhesive tape 56 a.

[0187] The production process according to the present inventionincludes only a simple production process since a tape is stuck on acore or a roll itself with adhesive tapes exposed in the bottoms ofholes. In addition, since characters or the like are printed in advanceon the adhesive tapes, it is not necessary to use tapes only forprinting.

[0188] While there has been described what are at present considered tobe preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made thereto, and it is intended that theappended claims cover all such modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A roll comprising a main tape cylindricallywound, the roll comprising a first adhesive tape having an adhesivelayer and a print layer laminated thereon, wherein said adhesive layerof said first adhesive tape is stuck on a surface of said main tapelocated in the vicinity of a winding terminating position thereof. 2.The roll according to claim 1 , wherein a width of said first adhesivetape is equal to a width of said main tape.
 3. The roll according toclaim 1 , wherein a desired item is printed on said print layer.
 4. Theroll according to claim 1 , wherein a first hole is formed in thevicinity of said winding terminating position of said main tape, saidfirst adhesive tape being stuck over said first hole, and wherein aadhesive layer of said first adhesive tape is stuck, through said firsthole, on the surface of said main tape located under said main tape atsaid winding terminating position.
 5. The roll according to claim 1 ,further comprising a core, said main tape being wound up around saidcore, wherein a second hole is formed in a winding initiating positionof said main tape, a second adhesive tape having an adhesive layer isstuck on a surface of a portion of said main tape where said second holeis located, and the adhesive layer of said second adhesive tape exposedin said second hole is stuck on said core.
 6. A roll comprising a coreand a main tape wound up around said core, wherein a second hole isformed in a winding initiating position of the main tape, a secondadhesive tape having an adhesive layer is stuck on a surface of saidmain tape where said second hole is located, and the adhesive layer ofsaid second adhesive tape exposed in said second hole is stuck on saidcore.
 7. A roll production apparatus for producing a roll by cutting awide main film along its running direction while running the main filmto produce a plurality of narrow main tapes, and by winding each maintape around a core, the apparatus comprising: a perforator for opening ahole in said main film; and an adhesive film sending-out unit forsending an adhesive film having an adhesive layer to a surface of saidmain film located in the vicinity of a position where said hole has beenopened, the apparatus being constituted so as to stick said adhesivefilm on said main film over said hole, followed by cutting said adhesivefilm together with said main film along its running direction.
 8. Theroll production apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said adhesivefilm sending-out unit is a printer constituted so as to print desiredinformation on the surface of said adhesive film.
 9. The roll productionapparatus according to claim 8 , wherein said printer is constituted soas to print said information on said adhesive film, followed by sendingsaid adhesive film in a direction the same as the running direction ofsaid main film.
 10. The roll production apparatus according to claim 9 ,wherein the apparatus is constituted so that said adhesive film isprinted with said information, followed by being stuck on said main filmrunning.
 11. The roll production apparatus according to claim 8 ,wherein said printer is disposed so as to print said information on saidadhesive film, followed by sending said adhesive film in the directionapproximately right angle to the running direction of said main film.12. A process for producing a roll comprising cutting a wide main filmalong its running direction while running it in the directionperpendicular to its width, thereby producing a plurality of narrow maintapes, followed by winding each cut main tape to produce a roll, theprocess comprising the steps of: sending an adhesive film from a rollcomprising the adhesive film wound; printing a desired item on a surfaceof said adhesive film; arranging said adhesive film on a surface of aportion of said main film where the portion becomes a windingterminating position of said main tape; sticking said adhesive film on asurface of said main film; moving said adhesive film and said main filmtogether along their running direction; and cutting said adhesive filmtogether with said main film.
 13. The process for producing a rollaccording to claim 12 , wherein a hole is formed in said main film andsaid adhesive film is thereafter stuck over said hole.
 14. The processfor producing a roll according to claim 12 , wherein said adhesive filmis sent in the direction along the running direction of said main filmand is stuck on a surface of said main film.
 15. The process forproducing a roll according to claim 12 , wherein said adhesive film issent in the direction perpendicular to the running direction of saidmain film and is stuck on a surface of said main film.
 16. A process forproducing a roll comprising cutting a wide main film along its runningdirection while running it in the direction perpendicular to its width,thereby producing a plurality of narrow main tapes, followed by windingeach cut main tape to produce a roll, the process comprising the stepsof: sending an adhesive film from a roll comprising the adhesive filmwound; printing a desired item on a surface of said adhesive film;arranging said adhesive film on a surface of a portion of said main filmwhere the portion becomes a winding initiating position of said maintape; sticking said adhesive film on a surface of a core.
 17. Theprocess for producing a roll according to claim 16 , wherein a hole isformed in said main film and said adhesive film is thereafter stuck oversaid hole.